Essay Sample on Uses of Technology in Education

Technology is a body of knowledge that mainly aims at the creation of tools, extraction of materials and processing of actions. Technology is being used to help in the accomplishment of various tasks in our daily activities. Technology helps in the extension of peoples abilities. People are using technology for different tasks. Individuals are using it at their place of work, social media sites and in learning institutions (Pacey, 1999).

Most businesses are using technology as it is helping them deliver their services quickly and also save on costs. Technology has enabled companies to employ fewer workers as the work can be done by a few individuals this is possible through the use of technology such as computers. Computers can perform many tasks and hence perform a larger amount of workload as compared to an individual doing it. The business sector has enlarged their lines of communication through the use of new technology, and they can share information with their potential clients without being limited by the barrier of distance.

Technology has enhanced communication which has led to socialization. In the past individuals were restricted to the writing of letters but today people are using their phones and computers to communicate through social sites such as Facebook. Instagram, Twitter, email, Linked In and the response is instant. Individuals can now meet new people and create new connections using the social network technologies. In the learning institutions, the tutors are using technology to conduct their lectures online. It has contributed to e-learning in most institutions. One can have the notes sent to their email without attending the classes physically or get information online due to the accessibility of the internet. The lecturers can also demonstrate what they are teaching through video conferencing tools and use of PowerPoint (National School Boards Association, 1987).

The adults are using technology differently in different environments. Some of the adults may not be in a position to afford the greatest and the latest technology due to the environment that they live in and this could contribute to a situation of a digital divide. Some adults may be unable to use some types of technology or even understand how it works if they are from a low social- economic environment. It is because adults tend to be more goal oriented, results driven, self-driven, and want to do things practically. When working with an adult population, the trainer should not assume that all the adult learners involved understand or know what to do with the technology involved in the learning process. The instructor should demonstrate how various technology is used and give them a chance to practice what they learn to enhance their understanding better. The technology should mostly aim at solving a particular problem that is at hand to motivate the adult learners on the need to understand about it. Adults do not like to learn if it does not help in solving a problem or is not current. The trainer should ensure that the messages and user design interface are developed in a way that does not make the adult learners have fear using a particular technology as it would result to demotivating them (Wang, 2013).

In conclusion, technology plays a significant role in the society. It has contributed to the change in the manner in which people live, communicate, learn and do business. Adult learners tend to gain knowledge in different ways as they are less open minded and self-directed. Lack of technical skills will result in the adults struggling to complete their training.

References

International Conference on Technology and Aging, Mihailidis, A., & IOS Press. (2008). Technology and Aging: Selected Papers from the 2007 International Conference on Technology and Aging. Amsterdam: IOS Press.

National School Boards Association. (1987). the electronic school: Innovative uses of technology in education. Alexandria, VA: The Association.

Pacey, A. (1999). Meaning in technology. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Wang, V. C. (2013). Technological applications in adult and vocational education advancement. Hershey PA: Information Science Reference.